Light-Sport Aircraft…at home and abroad

My European associate and friend, Jan Fridrich, coined a phrase a few years ago: “Global LSA,” he said, meaning the ASTM standards set could be used in any country and thereby create a worldwide market for recreational aircraft. Already a few accept the standards and many are considering or are already using some variant. So, in this post, let’s review some international successes for LSA.

Tecnam is one of the most prolific of all LSA producers and not just because it has multiple approved models. Recently, it sold a pair of P2008s to New Zealand. Waikato Aero Club CEO Richard Small said, “The new planes have a number of advantages over traditional aircraft. Manufactured from modern materials [Tecnam] planes are more fuel efficient and quieter. They also have full electronic flight display screens. Our pilots are thoroughly enjoying the upgrade.”

Pipistrel has logged sales globally as well and booked four orders for its new Alpha Trainer into Russia. “We selected the Alpha Trainer because Pipistrel has an excellent reputation,” said Arkadiy Orlov of St. Petersburg Aviation Training Centre, “and the Alpha Trainer has showed itself as an outstanding price-performance trainer solution.” Four Alpha Trainers were scheduled for delivery this summer.

Speaking of the former USSR, did you hear about Russian president Vladimir Putin — who likes to perform various macho stunts — training to fly a trike with migrating Siberian white cranes? How often does a national president enjoy recreational flying? Along those lines, how about the Libertarian candidate for U.S. president, Gary Johnson? My friend GW Meadows recently posted photos on Facebook of him giving a tandem flight to Johnson some years ago and the triathlon athlete candidate has also flown paragliders.

Back to the world of LSA, Flight Design has announced a fascinating new program where U.S. buyers of the CTLS can pick it up in Germany and fly around the continent with a guide and then have it shipped back to America… much like similar programs for automobiles. Company spokesman John Doman said, “Flight Design’s new “European Adventure” program allows CTLS buyers to travel to Germany, pick up their LSA, and fly it around Europe in a guided tour. Flight Design’s carefully selected, experienced and multi-lingual tour guide pilots will seamlessly handle the local details, enabling you to quickly become comfortable in your new environment and focus on the fun of flying in your own aircraft above the historic and breathtaking landscapes of Europe!”